I’ve looked on with admiration for years at the way Rena Getz helps so many people in Newton – volunteering in the schools, serving as the current President of the Waban Area Council, and working hard to share accurate information about many of the pressing policy issues facing our community. She is warm, kind, knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. With her training as a scientist, and focus on data, facts and rigorous analysis, Rena is adept at uncovering flawed assumptions, ideological bias, and potential negative impacts when any policy proposal is under consideration.
As a former member of Newton’s Planning and Development Board, I am particularly impressed by Rena’s deep knowledge of zoning, land use, housing, historic preservation, and open space issues. Perhaps informed by her Latina heritage, Rena always keeps in mind equity, inclusion, and the needs of those most vulnerable in our community. However, she sees that rezoning and allowing greater density is enriching developers, but not advancing affordability or justice – just the opposite. As the City Council is voting on the Village Center Overlay Districts by the end of the year, as well as taking up the rezoning of commercial corridors in the new term, it is more important than ever that we elect people like Rena, who actually listen to residents. Rena understands that we love our village centers and tree-lined, residential neighborhoods. Voters in all parts of Newton can vote for Rena Getz for At Large City Councilor from Ward 5. Whether in early voting or on November 7th, I hope you will join me in voting for Rena Getz.
Megan Meirav
Ridge Road
